There’s a reason Columbian food here is not the same as it is in Columbia. The water is different. The produce is different. You can’t get the same spices here. The cooks hands are different. And there’s a history behind the recipes. Recipes that have been passed down and made by family members or local cooks. You can’t get it here like you can there. And that’s ok. If everything was authentic everywhere nothing would be unique. It’s when on the rare occasions you do find something close to what you can get back home it’s special.
It’s the same reason hot cocoa and toast or scrambled eggs made by mom are better than anyone else’s. It’s not just the food. Anyone can mix cocoa with milk. It’s the love and history behind it that make it better.
You just can’t replicate it. But you can pay homage. Make something of our own as a tribute. For example I make empanados americanos. I use the same pie crust recipe in use for apple pies and I bake them. They’re very tasty. But not the same. And that’s ok.
We had the chance to try some authentic columbian food tonight at El Parche. Totally different food and atmosphere than an average place in Seattle. It’s far away but so worth the drive to Bothell. It was our second time going and won’t be the last. It’s easy to stick close to home and get a watered down bland version of dinner or culture or whatever. But maybe it’s worth venturing outside your bubble from time to time to experience something better.
What was the last authentic thing you tried?
